"We plan to expand the greenhouses for hydroponic cultivation, create more jobs, and achieve energy autonomy for the plants. We also plan to establish a zero-impact agricultural supply chain by constructing a geothermal plant with a seasonal heat storage system and expanding photovoltaic plants," said Florian Gostner, CEO of Fri-El, during the press conference presenting the redevelopment of the former sugar refinery area in Comacchio, Italy.
© Fri-El Green House Srl Soc. Agr.
Gostner said, "Fri-El presented a master plan to the Emilia-Romagna regional government and local institutions for producing and using renewable energy in the Basso Ferrarese area. It is a series of projects that we want to carry out with the institutions. The region has recognized the importance of this initiative and authorized the necessary steps to implement it."
One of the most significant interventions is the redevelopment of the abandoned sugar refinery in Comacchio. The municipal council has approved the project, and Fri-El has signed a preliminary agreement with Sipro to purchase the area. The agreement will become effective if the initiative is successful.
© Fri-El Green House Srl Soc. Agr.
Fri-El is a leading Italian company in the renewable energy sector. "Our goal is to demonstrate that sustainable, innovative development is possible and can create jobs," he continues. "That's why we support the Emilia-Romagna Region's Pact for Work and Climate, which promotes energy transitions and development in fragile areas such as Basso Ferrarese."
We have been active here for 15 years. In San Giovanni di Ostellato in the province of Ferrara, we have built hydroponic greenhouses where we produce vegetables using minimal water and soil while harnessing renewable energy. This shows how agriculture and sustainability can coexist. The former sugar factory project is a key part of this plan. The area will provide clean energy for the plants and blend into the urban landscape to the west of the city. It will include useful spaces and services for the community.
© P. BeniniFlorian and Sandra Gostner (ph P. Benini)
One of the main ideas is to restore the former laboratory and canteen and transform them into an applied ecology center for the municipality, as well as a collaborative space with the university. The plans also include an equipped public park, a parking area near the provincial road, new bicycle paths, and the conversion of the former porter's lodge into office and service spaces. Old, unused warehouses will be demolished and replaced with green spaces.
Preserving the soil is the goal, and to that end, a state-of-the-art photovoltaic plant will be constructed on the west side without excavation or foundations. The plant will be surrounded by native vegetation to blend into the landscape.
© Fri-El Green House Srl Soc. Agr.
Overall, this public-private partnership aligns with the region's objectives of reclaiming brownfield sites, expanding production facilities, and reducing land consumption.
Due to the area's complex urban planning regulations, it is important to hold constructive discussions with the region, municipality, and local community in order to revitalize an abandoned space.
For more information:
H2ORTO
Via delle Serre, 1
44020 Ostellato (Ferrara) - Italy
+39 0533 57411
www.h2orto.it
